Big Ideas

To better understand what makes for effective community engagement, we went right to the source. What draws someone to this work? What skill set do community organizers need in order to succeed? Sure, strategic thinking, an eye for politics, and the ability to spot strong leaders are necessary, but we found these alone are not sufficient. Follow our new video series, “In Their Own Words”, and hear directly from leaders about the personal experiences that drew them to the craft of organizing.

More Big Ideas.

“So that no one is left behind.” By Altaf Rahamatulla Three months ago, Andrea Jenkins was elected to the Minneapolis City Council, becoming the first-out transgender woman of color elected to public office in American history. Jenkins’ victory was emblematic…

To better understand what makes for effective community engagement, we went right to the source. What draws someone to this work? What skill set do community organizers need in order to succeed? Sure, strategic thinking, an eye for politics, and…

Annetta Seecharran and Murad Awawdeh Every day, we encounter community leaders and organizers whose stories deserve to be shared and celebrated. The New York Foundation partnered with StoryCorps to craft a new lot of short-interview series featuring our trustees, grantees,…

Local Groups on the Front Lines By Altaf Rahamatulla Cities and states have traditionally been incubators of reform—local policy experiments and innovation have stimulated national discourse and influenced broader efforts. This is especially true in this moment. Though the past…

Indigenous People’s Day The New York Foundation respectfully observes Indigenous People’s Day—this upcoming October 8th & 9th, 2017—as a reclamation of Columbus Day, and as a day to celebrate, learn about, and center Indigenous peoples, and their history throughout…